A Geometric Optimization of a Microchannel for Temperature Gradient Focusing via Joule Heating

줄 발열에 의한 온도기울기 농축을 위한 미세채널 형상 최적화

A temperature gradient focusing (TGF) via Joule heating phenomenon was numerically studied. The governing transport equations are implemented into a quasi-1D numerical model to predict the resulting temperature, velocity, and concentration profiles along a microchannel of varying width under an applied electric field. The model is used to analyze the effects of varying certain geometrical parameters of a microchannel on the focusing performance of the device. We show the effects of varying width of the microchannel having a fixed length, and propose the optimal geometry of the device. This method can be easily implemented into lab-on-a-chip (LOC) applications where focusing is required based on its simple design.